Abstract
Different from other products, in which the user knows about their energy consumption and can make more sustainable options, in web applications, the user has no control or information regarding how it could be more sustainable. For instance, a specific user might not need the information in a given panel or might choose a lower update rate for a chart or table. To fill this gap, this work aims to propose a graphical user interface model to promote digital sustainability in web applications. The model, named LEAFS, was constructed based on a literature review on digital sustainability, technology acceptance models, and persuasive design theories. An interactive prototype of the model applied in a fictional web application from the finance sector was developed using Figma. In this paper, we present a technology acceptance study with potential users to validate the model, using a structured instrument based on UTAUT 2. The results revealed a good acceptance from the users regarding the possibility of configuring a web application to more sustainable options, and also pointed to some improvement points to be considered before its implementation. As a consequence, this work evaluates an original idea that considers user choices in the implementation of web applications' sustainability, creating a new dimension to reduce energy consumption.